English proficiency test scores — frequently waived for African applicants from Anglophone countries (Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Liberia, etc.) since English is the official medium of instruction.
Same day if waived; 4-8 weeks if testing.
Free if waived; ~$210 (TOEFL) or $245 (IELTS)
ETS (TOEFL), IELTS (British Council Ghana)
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) and IELTS (International English Language Testing System) are standardised assessments of English proficiency. Both are accepted by US universities.
Universities want assurance you can study and write at undergraduate level in English. For students whose entire education was in English, the test is often redundant — and most US universities recognise this.
First, check each university's ESL waiver policy — most US universities waive TOEFL/IELTS for applicants whose secondary education was conducted in English.
If a waiver is automatic, do nothing. If it requires a request, write to admissions citing your English-medium SHS education.
If you must take the test: register at ets.org (TOEFL) or ielts.org (IELTS). Test centres operate in Accra.
Aim for TOEFL 100+ or IELTS 7.0+. Many schools accept TOEFL 80+ / IELTS 6.5+ but higher is always better.
Send scores directly from ETS or IELTS to the universities.
Ghana's official language is English, and SHS instruction is in English. Open by stating that fact in your waiver request — many admissions officers will reply within days approving it.
Standardised test scores. Many top US universities are now test-optional — but a strong score still moves the needle.
Graduate-level standardised tests. The GRE is required by many Master's and PhD programs; the GMAT by most MBA programs. Increasingly waivable since 2022.
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